For the first time in NFL historya team with 14 wins will have to settle for a wild card spot in the NFL playoffs.
The Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikingsboth 14-2, will compete Sunday night for both the NFC North crown and the top seed in the conference.
Despite a fourteen-win season, the loser drops to the fifth seed in the series with the highest wild card spot.
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Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown runs for a touchdown during the first half of a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Detroit, November 17, 2024 (Jorge Lemus/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
It wouldn’t be the first oddity in the play-offs. There have been 7-9 teams that have won divisions, meaning they automatically hosted playoff games.
But with his team in danger of losing just three games but away from home for wildcard weekend, Lions receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown says the format needs to be refreshed.
“It’s insane. I think the rule needs to be changed,” St. Brown told reporters this week. “Obviously if you win the division you obviously have to get a play-off spot, but it’s kind of crazy to go on the road with a 14-win team. But I guess I don’t make the rules.”
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown celebrates a 9-yard touchdown reception with fans during the second half on Nov. 17, 2024, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
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The NFL and MLB have similar formats in which top seeds get a bye and all division winners have home field advantage in the first round. NBA results are based on conference standings regardless of division, while the NHL combines conference and division standings, but without byes.
St. Brown says his team has nothing to worry about anyway.
“Either way, I think we’ll be fine. Whether it’s going on the road or having a bye week and playing at home, we’re built for either,” he said.
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown catches a pass for Green Bay Packers cornerback Keisean Nixon and scores a touchdown during the second quarter at Lambeau Field. (Jeff Hanisch/USA today)
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The Lions and Vikings kick off in Detroit on Sunday. The Packers, also in the NFC North, are 11-5 and are the sixth seed heading into the weekend.
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